SPOTLIGHT ON PLAN TO ACHIEVE SELF SUPPORT -- 2015 Edition

WHAT IS A PLAN TO ACHIEVE SELF SUPPORT (PASS)?

A PASS is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business. In it you identify:

the job or business (this is your work goal);

the steps you will take and the things you will need in order to achieve your work goal (for example: education or training, transportation, child care, or assistive technology);

the money you will use to pay for these things (this may be any income (other than SSI benefits) or assets, such as Social Security benefits, wages from a current job, or savings); and

a timetable for achieving your goal

HOW CAN A PASS HELP ME ACHIEVE MY WORK GOAL?

If SSA approves your PASS, we will not count the money you spend on your plan when we determine your eligibility for SSI. If you are already eligible for SSI, this will increase your SSI benefit, which will replace all of the money you spend on your PASS.

WHO MAY HAVE A PASS?

You may have a PASS if :

you would be eligible for SSI based on disability if not for your income and/or assests; or

you are already eligible for SSI and have income that reduces the amount of SSI you receive;

and using a PASS to reach your employment goal ultimately will help you to reduce or eliminate benefits you receive from SSI, social security, or both.

HOW DO I SET UP A PASS?

Anybody may help you write a PASS including a vocational counselor or a relative. We can also help you with a PASS or refer you to someone who can help you write a plan.

You can get a copy of the PASS application Form SSA–545–BK from your local Social Security office or online at: www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-545.html.

Important Information:

Other Government Websites:

Follow:

External Link Disclaimer

You are exiting the Social Security Administration's website.

Select OK to proceed.

Disclaimer

The Social Security Administration (SSA) website contains links to websites not affiliated with the United States government. These may include State and Local governmental agencies, international agencies, and private entities.

SSA cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by such websites. If we provide a link to such a website, this does not constitute an endorsement by SSA or any of its employees of the information or products presented on the non-SSA website.

Also, such websites are not within our control and may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies. Once you visit such a website, you are subject to the policies of that site.